Of course, Messi (and his legion of fans) weren't spared after ronaldo caught up with his tally. The Argentine forward had won four in a row between 2009 and 2012 after Ronaldo picked up his first in 2008 (with Manchester United).

However, since then Ronaldo has picked up the award in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 while Messi only won it again in 2015 (when Barcelona won the treble).

5th Ballon D’or for Ronaldo equalling Messi. Absolutely blessed to be in an era with two footballers head and shoulders above the chasing pack for a decade. Looking forward to the next decade when the Messi-Ronaldo Duopoly is over, the sheer unpredictability of the Ballon D’or!